Saint Lucia S.D.A Academy Health Month

The Saint Lucia Seventh-day Adventist Academy successfully recognized its first health month program under the theme “Stress Free Health” during May, 2018. The Administration realized the importance of securing the mental health of staff of the Academy; as a result, the health month was formalized. The seeds of this idea were planted as early in 2015 with discussions between Mrs. Naomi Jean, the Academy’s Business Manager, and Ms. Christy Butcher, a Public Health Educator. Unfortunately, the program could not have been done in the year 2015 due to the studies of both parties which completed in December 2017. Mrs. Jean reached out t

o Ms. Butcher, as well as Mrs. Wellina Jaria, to start planning this grand activity in the beginning of 2018.

The health month was launched on May 2, 2018 with a health fair. At the fair, staff and students had their blood sugar level, pressure, and weight checked. In addition were dental, vision and hearing checks. Visitors to the fair were also given information on screening for breast and prostate cancer.

Following this grand activity, sessions were carried out every Thursday for the entire staff. On May 3, Mr. George St. Marthe presented on stress and resilience. On May 10, Mr. Donavan Eugene discussed the consequences of not managing stress. Dr. Urban Seraphin presented on conflict resolution on May 17 and on May 24, Mrs. Welina Jaria did a practical session on stress management.  The sessions were praised by the staff as much was learnt and discussed.

The health month continued with a Fun-Sports Day and Fruit-Salad competition on May 27 at Vigie Beach. Loyan Alexander – an alumna, led out in exercises for staff emphasizing on stretching and cardiovascular building. After this was the fruit salad competition, with the various departments of the staff forming the teams. The judges – Ms. Butcher and Mrs. Jaria – ultimately named the Science Department the winners, with the Language department and the Auxiliary staff finishing second and third, respectively. The health month culminated with an awards ceremony  on May 30 to award the said, in addition to the water and walking challenges and staff appreciation. Refreshments and musical renditions were prepared to compliment this event. The Administration is planning to make this health month annual and to go bigger each time around.

Written By: Kerdell Samuel

Edited By: Matthew Hunte

Three High School Students Receives an Assistantship Award from Past Student of the SDA Academy

Every High School Student dreams of receiving a scholarship, well that dream became a reality. On Monday, April 23rd, 2018, the recipients Kelly St. Rose, a Form One student, Keitha Smith, and Mikkel Louis, Form Four students of the Saint Lucia Seventh-day Adventist Academy, received an Assistantship Award from Mrs. Virgina Wolf – a past student of the SDA Academy (class of 1972) and her husband Mr. Lloyd Wolf who partnered with “Population Health Team” based in USA made this a reality. The selection process was based on outstanding academic ability, achievement and financial need. The group plans to provide financial assistance as the students continue to excel.

The three recipients and their parents were all elated; “This is life changing,” they said. The team plans to work closely with the school by providing funds to high-achieving, low-income students who are in need and continue to excel academically.

A Blood Pressure Monitor was also donated by the team to enhance the quality of Health Care at the School’s sick Bay. Dr. Claudia Fevrier Principal of the SDA Academy, Business Manager Naomi Jean, Business Manager’s Assistant Ms. Kerdell Samuel, Senior Lecturer Mrs. Florence St. Juste and President of the Saint Lucia SDA Academy Alumni Association Ms. Anselma Calderon expressed their sincere gratitude for this generous gift.

Mrs. Wolf and her husband also donated a quantity of Health and Sanitary supplies for the sick and shutins.
Senator the Honorable Fortuna Belrose Minister with responsibility for Local Government & Culture received the supplies on behalf of the caregivers program in Saint Lucia.

The SDA Academy remains committed to delivering academic excellence in a spiritually charged environment, where high moral, ethical and spiritual values are nurtured, embraced and respected. The Saint Lucia SDA Academy officially opened its doors in September 1964.

Written By: Nathaniel Emilien